RALEIGH — N.C. State Wolfpack football kicks off the 2025 college football season against the East Carolina Pirates on Thursday (7 p.m., ACC Network) at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

The in-state rivals are meeting in the opener after closing the 2024 season at the Military Bowl, which ended with a brawl and the Pirates winning 26-21 against Wolfpack .

Quarterback CJ Bailey, linebackers Caden Fordham and Sean Brown, along with defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland and offensive lineman Anthony Carter Jr. are the Wolfpack 's captains for the 2025 season. ECU is entering its first full year with head coach Blake Harrell. ECU quarterback Katin Houser is among the players to watch for the Pirates.

The Fayetteville Observer and USA TODAY Sports Network is bringing you live updates, scores

See Full Page